Three Things to Know
Extensive research has identified more effective strategies to increase dog adoptions and reduce relinquishments. A comprehensive review highlighted key findings that can be applied in shelters.
Improved communication with adopters, including conscious breed labeling and creating a calm shelter environment, can enhance adoption rates. Regular training programs and human interaction can reduce stress and teach valuable behaviors, lowering the risk of returns.
Behavioral issues, especially during adolescence, can increase the risk of relinquishment. Early intervention programs and support for new owners can significantly reduce this risk. Trial adoptions and fostering programs have also proven effective in preventing returns.
The Full Picture
The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA) estimates that over 13,000 animal shelters operate in the United States. Despite their best efforts, many shelters are forced to euthanize dogs due to a lack of suitable homes. To address this issue, a 2017 study titled “Adoption and relinquishment interventions at the animal shelter: a review” aimed to summarize research on effective adoption and relinquishment strategies. The goal was to equip shelters with the knowledge they need to increase successful placements.
Increasing Adoption Rate
Predictors of Shelter Dog Adoptions
Dog adoption decisions are significantly influenced by both appearance and behavior. Potential adopters are drawn to light-colored, long-haired, young, small-sized dogs, especially those with juvenile-like facial features. Breed labels also play a role, with “pit bull” labels negatively impacting adoption rates. While initial impressions are shaped by appearance, behavioral cues during out-of-kennel interactions are crucial. Calm, friendly, and attentive dogs are more likely to be adopted, while overly active or inattentive dogs may be overlooked. As such, while shelters cannot change a dog’s appearance, they can improve their labeling and adoption simulation training.
Behavioral Interventions
To improve dog welfare and increase adoption rates, shelters can implement various behavioral interventions. Providing beds in front of kennels can nudge a dog to spend more time there, while lavender scents, audiobooks or classical music can induce relaxation. By reducing stress, these techniques can make dogs more appealing to potential adopters.
Social interaction, both with other dogs and humans, is crucial. Group housing has consistently been found to reduce repetitive or problem behaviors. Regular human interaction and training programs can reduce stress, learn new behaviors and tricks, and make dogs more appealing to potential adopters. Research has shown that by implementing well-designed enrichment and training programs, shelters can enhance a dog’s chances of finding loving homes by 2.5 times.
Read also: Less Stress and Shorter Stays: The Benefits of Pair-Housing For Shelter Dogs
Decreasing Relinquishment and Return Rates
Relinquishment
To effectively address the issue of dog relinquishment, it’s essential to understand the underlying reasons. Research consistently shows that younger dogs, especially those under two years old, are more likely to be surrendered, particularly during adolescence. Additionally, dogs owned for less than a year are at a higher risk of being relinquished. Behavioral problems, such as house soiling, destruction, hyperactivity, and fear, are common among surrendered dogs, emphasizing the need for early intervention and support.
Owner-related factors also contribute to relinquishment. Younger owners, particularly those under 50, are more likely to give up their pets. Common reasons include a lack of training, unmet expectations, and inadequate veterinary care. Housing challenges, such as moving or landlord restrictions, are frequently cited as major factors, as are financial difficulties and lifestyle changes. While aggression may be a concern, non-aggressive issues like destructive behavior, escaping, and house soiling are more commonly reported.
Read also: Unpacking Social Vulnerability: Insights Into Animal Shelter Intakes and Adoptions
Returns
Many adopted dogs are returned to shelters within the first month, often due to behavioral issues like fearfulness and hyperactivity. Similar to relinquishment, housing and personal issues are common reasons for returns, along with challenges in cohabitating with other pets or people. Younger dogs, particularly those under two years old, are more likely to be returned. The experience of returning a dog can be disheartening, with many former owners expressing reluctance to adopt again.
Interventions
Preventing dogs from entering or returning to shelters requires targeted interventions. Studies have shown that using tags and microchips significantly increases the likelihood of reuniting lost pets with their owners. Targeted sterilization programs (strays), subsidized veterinary care (costs) and owner educational programs (basic behaviors) have all been found to be effective.
Programs that provide support and training, especially during the early stages of pet ownership, can strengthen the human-animal bond and prevent unnecessary surrenders. Addressing housing-related barriers and offering resources for managing non-aggressive behavioral issues can also help keep pets in their homes.
Early socialization classes, particularly ones provided by the shelter of adoption, play a critical role in improving owner retention. Behavioral assessments can identify dogs prone to aggression and reduce relinquishment rates. Alternative adoption approaches, like trial adoptions and fostering programs, offer more informed decision-making, leading to fewer returns. By focusing on responsible pet ownership, early intervention, and tailored adoption strategies, shelters can improve long-term adoption success.
Animal Welfare Implications
To improve adoption outcomes and reduce shelter populations, a deeper understanding of adopter behavior and shelter environments is crucial. Both adoptor factors, like socioeconomic status, prior dog experience, as well as shelter marketing strategies, such as breed labels and sensory enrichment, can influence adoption decisions.
Behavioral training, enrichment activities, and post-adoption support can enhance long-term owner satisfaction. Programs like fostering and trial adoptions demonstrate promise in reducing returns. Addressing broader societal issues, such as housing restrictions and economic challenges, is essential. By leveraging technology and building collaboration between shelters, communities, and policymakers, it is possible to create a more sustainable future for shelter dogs.
Conclusion
The review emphasizes the importance of cultural and regional differences in human-animal relationships when studying adoption and relinquishment. While some trends, like a preference for specific breeds, ages, and sizes, are consistent across countries, others, like perceptions of barking and return rates, vary significantly. This highlights the need for caution when applying findings from one region to another. By conducting cross-cultural studies and considering local factors, we can develop more effective strategies to improve adoption success and reduce shelter intake.
Read next: The Future of Animal Sheltering: 7 Critical Research Areas
Miscellaneous
Data From Study:
–
Year of Publication:
2017
External Link:
Protopopova A, Gunter L. Adoption and relinquishment interventions at the animal shelter: a review. Animal Welfare. 2017;26(1):35-48. https://doi.org/10.7120/09627286.26.1.035